Buckeye Spotlight – Makayla Waterman

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Dec. 12, 2016

Makayla Waterman is in her third season with the women’s basketball team. The Kettering, Ohio native has overcome a pair of injuries and has worked her way into one of the Buckeyes’ key contributors off the bench. She is averaging five points and five rebounds per game this season while shooting over 56 percent from the floor.

How did you decide to come to OSU?

I came here because Ohio State is close to home, and I was close with all of the other freshmen I came in with. We all wanted to stay together. Also, my grandfather coached basketball here. I knew he always wanted me to go here, so that definitely played a factor in my decision.

How long have you been playing basketball?

I would say probably since I was four. My older sister played basketball, so I was always following her around and doing what she did.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?

No, not really.

What is your favorite part about basketball?

The competitiveness. I’m really competitive, so I like to be out there competing against other people all the time. It’s fun to me.

What is the hardest thing about basketball?

Right now, it would be balancing basketball and school. It’s hard to know how much effort to give each one on a certain day. I would also say staying focused. It’s a long season, and we play a lot of games.

How do you balance basketball and your school work?

Now, we practice in the morning, so once practice gets out, we have our classes for the rest of the day. Sometimes, I just have to sacrifice sleep. I’ll stay up, do homework, and study. It’s just what you have to do. It’s what you sign up for when you come here.

Why did you choose psychology as a major?

I’ve had two serious injuries in my career, and I’ve noticed that a lot of the sport is mental. A lot of what you do has to do with what your mind tells you to do, so that’s what made me interested in studying psychology.

What is your favorite study spot on campus?

There are tons of cafes on campus, so I usually just go and get a coffee somewhere and read or study. I know if I’m at home, I’ll get tons of distractions. I try to study at places other than my house.

What is your favorite class you have taken here so far?

Either Abnormal Psychology or Children’s Literature.

What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?

I used to do gymnastics when I was little.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?